Menu
01/11/2011
Palestine's UNESCO Membership 'Milestone'
Sinn Fein has called the announcement that Palestine's would take membership of UNESCO a 'milestone towards freedom for the Palestinian people'.
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, described the vote to accept Palestine as a full member at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as "truly wonderful news".
The organisation voted by a margin of 107 nations for to 14 against with 52 abstentions.
The announcement has however caused fury in Israel with the country's foreign minister saying it would consider cutting all ties with the Palestinian Authority in response to the decision on Monday.
"My recommendations will be very clear," Avigdor Lieberman told his Yisrael Beiteinu parliamentary faction.
"We need to weigh cutting all ties with the Palestinian Authority. I'm not prepared for Israel to become the ultimate sucker in the Middle East. We cannot continue to accept unilateral measures time after time."
However, Deputy Mac Lochlainn welcomed the Irish Government's support for the application.
He said: "This is truly wonderful news for the beleaguered Palestinian people. It is a clear signal that the international community supports their struggle for justice and freedom and their right to statehood. It is a milestone to freedom for the Palestinian people.
"The 'Arab Spring' is an opportunity for the US and European Union to build new relationships of trust in this region that has been blighted by conflict and failed by the international community. The US and the EU must now step up to their responsibilities to confront illegal Israeli settlements and broker a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine," he said.
(DW/BMcC)
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, described the vote to accept Palestine as a full member at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as "truly wonderful news".
The organisation voted by a margin of 107 nations for to 14 against with 52 abstentions.
The announcement has however caused fury in Israel with the country's foreign minister saying it would consider cutting all ties with the Palestinian Authority in response to the decision on Monday.
"My recommendations will be very clear," Avigdor Lieberman told his Yisrael Beiteinu parliamentary faction.
"We need to weigh cutting all ties with the Palestinian Authority. I'm not prepared for Israel to become the ultimate sucker in the Middle East. We cannot continue to accept unilateral measures time after time."
However, Deputy Mac Lochlainn welcomed the Irish Government's support for the application.
He said: "This is truly wonderful news for the beleaguered Palestinian people. It is a clear signal that the international community supports their struggle for justice and freedom and their right to statehood. It is a milestone to freedom for the Palestinian people.
"The 'Arab Spring' is an opportunity for the US and European Union to build new relationships of trust in this region that has been blighted by conflict and failed by the international community. The US and the EU must now step up to their responsibilities to confront illegal Israeli settlements and broker a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine," he said.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 April 2024
Other News In Brief
UU Magee Taskforce Holds First Official Meeting A new taskforce formed to oversee the expansion of the student base of Ulster University's L'Derry campus has held its first official meeting.
Other News In Brief
UU Magee Taskforce Holds First Official Meeting A new taskforce formed to oversee the expansion of the student base of Ulster University's L'Derry campus has held its first official meeting.
07 August 2014
NIIRTA Condemns Israel/Palestine Boycotts
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association has said it is "unacceptable" that local businesses have been "dragged into" the Israel Palestine dispute through calls for boycotts of produce from both sides.
NIIRTA Condemns Israel/Palestine Boycotts
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association has said it is "unacceptable" that local businesses have been "dragged into" the Israel Palestine dispute through calls for boycotts of produce from both sides.
17 October 2023
SDLP Calls For Humanitarian Aid Corridors In Palestine
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to allow humanitarian aid corridors to be established to relieve the crisis in Gaza. The Foyle MP was speaking in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon during a statement on the violence in Gaza and southern Israel.
SDLP Calls For Humanitarian Aid Corridors In Palestine
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to allow humanitarian aid corridors to be established to relieve the crisis in Gaza. The Foyle MP was speaking in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon during a statement on the violence in Gaza and southern Israel.
27 February 2024
The Gobbins To Benefit From £13.6m Investment
Mid and East Antrim Council has welcomed the news of new investment funding of almost £13.6 million for the development of The Gobbins. Ambitious plans for The Gobbins include a 60m-high panoramic stepway, upgrades to the clifftop path, the development of a new Welcome Hub, and improved visitor features.
The Gobbins To Benefit From £13.6m Investment
Mid and East Antrim Council has welcomed the news of new investment funding of almost £13.6 million for the development of The Gobbins. Ambitious plans for The Gobbins include a 60m-high panoramic stepway, upgrades to the clifftop path, the development of a new Welcome Hub, and improved visitor features.
01 November 2002
Vote of confidence for NI news services
A study of television and other news sources in the UK has found that only 4% of Northern Ireland viewers are dissatisfied with the provision of local news services. The research carried out by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) found this was the lowest dissatisfaction rate in the UK.
Vote of confidence for NI news services
A study of television and other news sources in the UK has found that only 4% of Northern Ireland viewers are dissatisfied with the provision of local news services. The research carried out by the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC) found this was the lowest dissatisfaction rate in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these clearing away towards midnight. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
